If you’ve got a particular interest aside from cruising, there’s a good chance these days that whatever it is, you can combine the two, such is the popularity of the themed cruise. The murder mystery weekend is nothing new, but there’s a good chance that you won’t be familiar with the concept of the murder mystery cruise. So, if a bit of classic sleuthing, intrigue and whodunit fun on the high seas sounds like just the (gin and) tonic, read on to discover more.
P&O Cruises
Let P&O’s adults-only Arcadia take you back to the roaring twenties, a time of lavish dinner parties, cocktail dresses and of course, a good old-fashioned murder to be solved. As you would expect from P&O, the cuisine is first rate and has the added bonus of adding to the authenticity of the dinner party, where the culprit could be present in the room as you eagerly put away your starter. Period fancy dress is optional if you’re not into dressing up but it really does contribute to the realism. The idea is that, once news of the dreadful crime emerges, passengers are invited to mingle with fellow guests and the actors tasking part to try and get to the bottom of the mystery.
Norwegian Cruise Line
The Norwegian Gem is the setting for a 7-day murder mystery cruise from New York, which visits the Caribbean ports of San Juan, Philipsburg, St Thomas and Samana. This combination of balmy climates and untimely death may seem unlikely, but 2014 will see the 28th annual Murder Mystery Cruise, where guest enjoy a sumptuous lunch, then attempt to solve the mystery. Norwegian Cruise Line also hosts a Murder Mystery Dinner as one of its sea day activities on a number of ships such as the Norwegian Pearl and the Norwegian Spirit, so if you want to get a taste of intrigue to keep you busy on the ship, then this could be perfect for you. You’ll be given your own script and are encouraged to get into character for the duration of the meal. Who knows, you may even bag the role of the murderer!
Royal Caribbean
The line offers a special Mystery Dinner Theatre, which is held once a week on all of its Radiance, Voyager and Freedom class vessels, so guests are invited to book early to ensure a place at the table. Over a multiple course dinner with fine wine, you’ll enjoy a theatrical evening hosted by a cast of professionals and be invited to solve the mystery as it unravels before you. There is no strict dress code, providing you don’t wear shorts, jeans or trainers, though if your dinner takes place on a formal night, suits or tuxedoes are required for men and cocktail dresses for women. But let’s face it, this can only add to the ambience! Guests must be over the age of 13 to participate and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian if under the age of 18.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
Step aboard the Balmoral for a special Agatha Christie cruise, which pays tribute to the queen of the murder mystery herself in true style. You’ll be able to enjoy productions of Christie’s famous stage plays, staring actors from the official Agatha Christie Theatre Company, who’ll also be on hand to offer readings from novels during afternoon tea , during which you’ll have the chance to enjoy a slice of Death Cake (nicer than it sounds!) as well as other treats from the ship’s delicious menu. Throughout the cruise, you’ll be able to watch film and TV adaptions of Christie’s works and books are readily availability in the on-board shop. As for the itinerary, it features a number of Agatha Christie’s most favoured destinations in the Canary Islands, such as Santa Cruz, Tenerife and Las Palmas Gran Canaria as well as stops at Funchal, Madeira and Portugal’s lively capital Lisbon.
By Simon Brotherton
Google
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